London has been a topic of concern for Brexiteer Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently expressed feeling unsafe in the city due to a rise in crime. The billionaire Manchester United owner shared his decision to stop displaying his luxury watches in public, highlighting the security threats he perceives in the capital.
In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, Ratcliffe criticized the authorities for what he described as a lack of safety in London. He pointed out the issue of limited prison space, which he believes contributes to the growing crime rates in the city. Despite his support for the UK’s exit from the European Union, Ratcliffe made a significant move from Hampshire to Monaco in 2020, a decision that is expected to result in substantial tax savings for him.
Moreover, Ratcliffe revealed that Ineos, his automotive company, will be manufacturing its new Grenadier cars in France, a shift from the initial plan to build them in Wales in 2020. The decision comes in the wake of security concerns and incidents that Ratcliffe has personally witnessed, including a murder over a Rolex captured on Ineos’s CCTV cameras at their headquarters in Knightsbridge.
The Ineos CEO recalled another alarming incident involving three individuals with machetes outside the office, emphasizing the need for improved policing and crime prevention measures. He highlighted the challenges posed by the overcrowded prison system, a longstanding issue that Ratcliffe believes requires urgent attention.
The statistics on watch theft in London further underscore the gravity of the situation, with over 6,800 reported cases last year alone. The theft of high-end watches like Patek Philippe and Rolexes remains a common occurrence, particularly in affluent areas such as Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. Criminals often target individuals wearing expensive watches, luring them with offers of drugs or other incentives before carrying out robberies in secluded locations.
In light of these developments, Ratcliffe’s concerns reflect broader anxieties about safety and security in London, raising important questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and crime prevention strategies. As the city grapples with rising crime rates and targeted thefts, addressing the underlying factors contributing to these challenges becomes imperative for ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike.
